Pro-Ject E1 Turntable Review: Affordable Quality for Vinyl Lovers

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Introduction

For newcomers to the spinning discs’ universe, the Pro-Ject E1 turntable is a superb option as far as cost, design, and audio quality are concerned. And in this review, we will describe every aspect of the Pro-Ject E1 and help you make a correct decision about the unit.

 Design

Beautiful in an understated way

  • No need to adjust tracking force
  • Very lightweight

The Pro-Ject E1 is beautiful in the way that a classic Swiss watch or a really good tailored suit is: Almost simple rather than ‘look at me’ garish. The edition I tried was completely black with the gloss black base and rubber black buttons, looking somewhat like Hotblack Desiato’s space ship from the Hitch Hiker’s Guide To The Galaxy or Smell The Glove album cover. The other colors retain the black hardware but come on a gloss white and walnut color composite fiber plinth instead.

The tonearm is made from aluminum that is rigid but very light The tracking force and anti-skid is pre-set It comes with an 8. 6 inch lightweight ABS polymer platter with ridges that are intended to minimize resonance. The power supply inserts into the back where you can have the rather lengthy phono cables and ground wire. Differently from most other turntables from Pro-Ject, RCA cable here is fixed to the turntable directly by soldering. Length of the cable is 1. 23 meters.

This is one of the light weights of turntables wherein lifting the lid, it also shifts the entire equipment. Regarding the supplied hex key, it should be used for slightly loosening the hinges; meanwhile, the turntable should not be placed near the speakers or any other object that shakes the room because it vibrates when lightweight like this one. Mainly with high-end turntables, they come with great and serious weights with intent of minimizing such vibrations, but this turntable is lighter.

Features

No flashy bells or whistles

  • No need to do a belt change
  •  Fully manual operation

This is a very zen turntable: where it is not required it is absent. There are no automatic features and it is not comparable to any sophisticated turntable; this way Pro-Ject has been able to contain the price.

Unlike many belt-driven turntables, there’s no need to do an awkward belt change when you want to change speeds: on the E1 you’ll find an electronic speed switch around 45, off, and 33.

While the listed stock of the E1 deck as currently featured in the Pro-Ject website is with the Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge, the review sample we used came with the Ortofon OM 5E. That cartridge is known to give a rather neutral sound and thus it is suitable for different genres of music. Refers to other Super OM styluses from Ortofon and can be upgraded to any of them.

Even here, as noted above, there is no built-in phono stage, so check if your amp has one, or perhaps, you may would prefer the E1 Phono version of the turntable.

 Audio Performance

 Exciting and involving sound

  • Great clarity and separation implies that it is easy to distinguish between a country’s external and internal policies.
  • In order to provide a sufficient coverage, they are big, yet not baggy at all, especially when it comes to bass.

Compared to direct-drive versions, belt-drive turntables are usually more silent, and it remains the same with this turntable. Like most from Panasonic, the E1 is very quiet in operation to gently give way to the music. And it really does. When I read some of this considerably less expensive turntables, listening to the same records on the E1 is like watching the munchkin’s song and dance in Technicolor in the said movie.

The stereo stage was much better defined, the high concentrated was less congested and had more breathing space, the lows were punchy and controlled instead of just being boomy. On the whole, the Ortofon cartridge is considered to be highly neutral; however, in my opinion, the styl was warm with great dynamics on voices and most of the acoustic instruments.

This is a very musically inclined turntable that significantly gives sound. Favourites from the past including Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” sounded great, backing vocals and keyboards assumed their position without overpowering the vocals; Billy Duffy’s guitar on the Cult’s “Electric” barked and soared; Selma’s and Pet Shop Boys’ dance-pop didn’t overwhelm but rather moved forward energetically. If the mark of a good audio product is its ability to let you hear things that were previously buried, the E1 passes with flying colors: it creates some space for details which you do not manage to hear on inferior turntables.

Of course, at this price, they are not the pinnacle of turntable sound, although the impression is getting closer to this. If more money is spent and you also have the amp and speakers to fully utilize it, it would be even more dynamic sound range and nice sound details. But neither will you feel lacking for anything by listening to the Pro-Ject with a proper system and a pair of affordable best stereo speakers.

I also brought one of E1’s main competitors which is available at almost the same price range: the Audio-Technica AT-LP120X-USB. Some of the features of the rival turntable include Bluetooth, and USB connection; however, I prefer Pro-Ject E1 because of its better sound quality. The AT is great inexpensive turntable, but the E1 is even better.

 Comparing to Competitors

I have laid down the comparison criteria of Pro-Ject E1 with other table turntables in the same category based on its design and sound. As for the alternatives, rivals such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP120X-USB come with more extensive functionalities, yet the sound is richer with the E1. Due to this minimalism and particular emphasis on sound quality, it might be a fitting choice for those who do not care about everything else beyond sound quality.

Pros and Cons

 Pros

  • Exceptionally simple to set up: Perfect for beginners, all the devices are factory set; hence, there is no complicated process setting up the instruments.
  •  Warm and detailed sound: The turntable is also able to provide a very enjoyable sound and for the price is very tough to beat.
  • Affordably priced: It can be recommended as great value for money especially if bought when there is stock in the store.

Cons

  • No automation: It can only be operated manually and thus may not go well with the some users.
  • No frills: Among the almost or lacking extra accessories some of them include Bluetooth, USB port among others.
  • Very lightweight: Probably not very effective in tolerating vibrations and as such its positioning can be very crucial.

 Best Use Cases

In conclusion, Pro-Ject E1 can be recommended to the following audiences:.

  •  Vinyl newcomers: Therefore, it is suitable for the first tima vinyl users because of its plain look in addition to producing relatively acceptable sound.
  • Budget-conscious audiophiles: Stated differently, it will serve the best interest s of the audiophiles who desire to acquire a high-end product that is affordable from the said price ranges.
  • Minimalist setups: They are not very big or colourful; hence, it is best suited to a modern or contemporary home.

Conclusion

The Pro-Ject E1 in particular is great for those wanting to jump in on the Turntable bandwagon without breaking the bank. As to the pros of this, let me state that it is not very elaborate, easy on the pocket, and has a remarkably nice sound. As it may not feature some of the aspects of models in the higher price segment it makes up for it in the performance stakes.

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